ICT

ICT impacts nearly every aspect of our lives and this digital world is constantly changing bringing many challenges.  The digital world has changed the way we live our lives from the way we communicate, seek help, network and study.

Technology is embedded in our culture and as such we have a responsibility to provide learners with the tools to be successful and prepare them for life after school.  We pride ourselves in providing a full range of ICT courses to suit all learners and equip them for their future.

From the earlier years we look at a large range of softwares, from the office suite to Dreamweaver, building websites to programming, which enable the learner to investigate fully every aspect of this subject.

We have three dedicated IT suites, each with 30 computers and all with the very latest software

Key Stage 3

In years 7 and 8 students receive one lesson a week.

Each topic lasts about a half term. The topics are studied as a year group so that all classes will be learning the same softwares, procedures etc., together.

• Internet Safety
• Spreadsheet using Excel
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Sweet Home 3D
• Control using Logo
• Database Design using Access
• Programming using Scratch 
• Programming using Python
• Programming using BBCMicro:Bit
• Image Manipulation using PhotoShop
• Creating Animation using Flash software
• Web Design using Dreamweaver

Key Stage 4

From 2017-18, students can choose either Computer Science or ICT within their options. 

GCSE Computer Science

This course is aimed at students who would like to know more about real-world programming and provides a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing.

Students learn how to programme in Python. They also study these topics in year 9:

• Networks
• Binary and Hexadecimal Numbers
• Data types
• Data size, storage and compression
• System security
• Ethics, the law and the environment
• Encryption
• Data Structures
• Trees and Huffman Coding
• Computation Thinking

ICT (iMedia)

Students use a range of software. They explore a range of essential pre-production techniques used in creative and digital media. They use Photoshop, Flash and other software to create products to a client brief.

In year 9 students learn about:

• Client briefs
• Time frames
• Animation techniques
• Features of digital graphics
• Different genres of comic strips
• Features of comic strips
• Understanding Photoshop techniques
• Reviewing and testing products